Patna:
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar narrated the turnaround story of the state in recent years to Bihari diaspora in the US and exhorted them to become partner in the growth by investing in industry.
Bihari entrepreneurs settled abroad may rest assured of a hassle-free experience if they choose to set up a venture in their home state, he said.
Kumar made an averment to this effect late on Saturday while taking part in a webinar organized by BJANA (Bihar-Jharkhand Association of North America), as part of which he interacted with US-based delegates with roots in the state.
He underscored the fact that despite impressive progress registered in health, education and infrastructure, Bihar Lagged behind when it came to industries.
”You are like members of our family. If you choose to set up an industry here, you will be provided with all necessary assistance from our government.
”We will facilitate availability of land. We will also ensure that all issues flagged by you are promptly resolved,”he said.
The chief minister sought to highlight the changes in society which have been caused by initiatives such as free bicycles to school-going girls.
”When we took over in 2005, a girl riding bicycle in Patna was a rare sight. Now hordes of school-going girls can be seen on the streets of virtually every village.
”The enrolment of female students has gone up and last year they outnumbered boys in the matric examinations,” Kumarsaid.
Kumar took over the reins of Bihar in November 2005 ending 15-year rule of the RJD in the state. He is on the chief ministerial chair since then except for a brief period when he had anointed Jitan Ram Manjhi on the post following JD(U) severe drubbing in the 2014 general elections.
After bifurcation of Bihar in 2000, major industries as well as the mines and mineral areas went to Jharkhand.
During hour-long digital interaction with the sons of the soil settled in the United States, Kumar also spoke about his ambitious ‘Jal Jeevan Hariyali’ drive aimed at combating climate change, recalling that it was appreciated by no less aluminary than Bill Gates when he visited Bihar two years ago.
”He (Gates) came and saw our efforts and, at a media interaction outside the state, expressed his profuse admiration.
”He was amazed by the zeal shown by a poor state in addressing issues which, normally, only the developed world appears to be concerned with,” he said.
The chief minister also told the delegates about efforts made by his government in giving a facelift to various tourist spots, especially those associated with the Buddha.
”Please do plan a tour. We will be delighted to host you. You will return with memories to cherish,” he added.
Kumar also said that he valued the interaction with members of the diaspora, since they brought with them a wealth of experience.
”I am instructing officials attached to the CM Secretariat to hold such sessions regularly. I would like to listen to your suggestions even when it might not be possible(for me) to take active part,” he said.
The CM was accompanied by former cabinet colleague and key aide Sanjay Kumar Jha.
Among others who took part in the interaction was Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar.
